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Whole Milk Baby Formula vs. Skim Milk Baby Formula
34 hours of research 3 minute read
" Whole milk baby formula is richer in fat and calories, providing essential nutrients for growth, while skim milk baby formula offers a lower-fat alternative for specific dietary needs. "
Choosing a baby formula can be challenging. With so many options available in the market, parents spend much time researching which formula to test with their children. We’d love to help you as much as we can and we prepared this blog post to discuss one of the controversial topics in the world of baby formula: Whole Milk vs Skim Milk. We’ll cover the following topics:
Milk in Baby Formula
Milk is a baby’s source of essential nutrients. All of these items below are present in both breast milk and baby formula:
1. Energy
a. Carbohydrates - source of energy
b. Fat – source of energy
c. Protein - build, repair, and maintain tissues: brain, eyes, heart, lungs, skin, muscles, and other organs.
2. Calcium - Bone and tooth development; blood clotting; healthy nerves and muscle development
3. Folate - Cell division; Healthy cell growth development; Genetic material formation within every body cell
4. Iron - Blood cell growth and development, Iron deficiency anemia prevention
5. Zinc - Protein formation and wound healing; Blood formation; Growth and maintenance of tissues; Taste development; Healthy Immune System
6. Vitamins
a. Vitamin A - Healthy skin; Healthy eyes; Growth and development; Healthy immune and reproductive systems
b. Vitamin B1 - Energy release from carbohydrates during metabolism; Nervous system function
c. Vitamin B2 - Energy release from carbohydrates during metabolism; Skin and digestive system development; Blood and brain function
d. Vitamin B3 - Energy release from carbohydrates during metabolism; Digestive system function
e. Vitamin B6 - Body development and formation; Nervous system and brain development; Protein use; fat metabolism
f. Vitamin B12 – Brain development
g. Vitamin C - Collagen formation; Capillaries, bones, and teeth maintenance; Wound healing; Infection resistance; Iron absorption
h. Vitamin D - Proper development of bones and teeth by helping the body absorb calcium; Use of calcium and phosphorus in the body
i. Vitamin E - Vitamin A and essential fatty acids protection; Tissue breakdown prevention
j. Vitamin K – Blood clotting
7. Minerals
a. Fluoride – Tooth decay prevention
b. Water - Regulation of body temperature; Fluid medium for nutrients and waste products; Cell metabolism; Healthy kidney function
While breastmilk is the gold standard in infant feeding, it is not always available to parents for various reasons. Baby formula is designed as an alternative to breastfeeding. Two of the most popular types are whole milk baby formula and skim milk baby formula.
Whole Milk vs. Skim Milk In Baby Formula
The main difference between whole milk baby formula and skim milk baby formula is its fat content. Whole milk contains 3.25% fat.
Skim milk baby formula, on the other hand, contains less than 0.5% natural fat. Since fat is an important source of energy, skim milk baby formula is supplemented with a blend of vegetable oils to meet the fat requirements for a baby’s nutrition.
Fat Source:
Milk can contain the following fat sources:
| Whole Milk | Skim Milk (a blend of the following) |
|---|---|
| Natural Whole Milk Fat (primary) | Palm Oil |
| Sunflower Oil (top-up) | Rapeseed Oil |
| Coconut Oil (top-up) | Sunflower Oil |
| Rapeseed Oil (top-up) | Beta-Palmitate |
Whole Milk Formula: Formulated to Resemble Breast Milk
Whole milk baby formula contains natural and healthy whole fat. It does not include palm oil.
While it includes other vegetable oils like sunflower, coconut, and rapeseed – these are only considered top-ups to the fat in whole milk. These vegetable oils are important and healthy vegetable fats for your baby’s development.
Only whole milk baby formula contains milk fat globule membranes (MFGM) which modulate the Neonatal Gut Microbiome, and normalize Intestinal Development, cognitive and immune function, metabolism, motility improvement, and skin health.
Whole milk baby formula can also be creamier and tastier than skim milk baby formula.
Whole Milk Baby Formula Options:
Whole Cow-Milk Formulas:
- Kendamil Organic Stage 1
- Kendami Classic Stage 1
- Kendamil Organic Stage 2
- Kendamil Classic Stage 2
- Kendamil Organic Stage 3
- Kendamil Classic Stage 3
Whole Goat-Milk Formulas:
- Kendamil Goat Stage 1
- Holle Goat Dutch Stage 1
- Holle Goat Stage Pre
- Holle Goat Stage 1
- Nannycare Stage 1
- Kendamil Goat Stage 2
- Holle Goat Dutch Stage 2
- Holle Goat Stage 2
- Nannycare Stage 2
- Kendamil Goat Stage 3
- Holle Goat Dutch Stage 3
- Nannycare Stage 3
- Holle Goat Stage 3
- Holle Goat Stage 4
Whole Milk Baby Formula: Linked to Obesity and Heart Disease?
Whole milk baby formula gets a bad rep because some say that this milk type is linked to early childhood obesity and heart disease. However, this was disputed by a study conducted across seven countries. Canadian researchers reviewed 28 studies of about 21,000 children to see if babies who were given whole milk baby formula were more susceptible to obesity than babies who were given skim milk.
Interestingly, the studies showed that babies who drank whole milk were 40% less likely to be obese or overweight. The result is contrary to the myth that skim baby formula will help babies avoid childhood obesity.
If you have a history of weight management problems and heart disease, you might want to consider whole milk formulas for your baby. Whole milk baby formula can reduce body fat because the body takes longer to digest whole milk. This means that the natural high-fat whole milk makes babies feel full longer – so they will not feed as much. On the other hand, the body digests vegetable oils, the fat in skim milk baby formula, quickly so baby formulas that are skim milk-based do not give this “full” feeling so babies tend to drink more bottles.
Skim Milk Formula: Gentle on a Baby’s Delicate Tummy + More Calcium
Babies with sensitive stomachs can benefit from skim milk baby formula. Since whole milk baby formulas are creamier compared to skim milk baby formulas- some babies, especially newborns, struggle to digest whole-milk baby formula. Skim milk baby formula without thickeners has a more watery consistency, which makes it easier for some babies to feed on.
If you have a family history of bone density, you can try skim milk with your baby. Skim milk also contains higher calcium than whole milk. The fats in skim milk are a healthy blend of vegetable oil which helps babies absorb nutrients.
Skim Milk Baby Formula Options:
Skim Cow-Milk Formulas:
- HiPP Dutch Stage 1
- HiPP German Stage Pre
- HiPP German Stage 1
- HiPP UK Stage 1
- HiPP Dutch HA Hydrolyzed Stage 1
- HiPP HA German Hydrolyzed Stage Pre
- HiPP HA German Hydrolyzed Stage 1
- Holle Bio Stage Pre
- Holle Bio Stage 1
- Holle A2 Stage 1
- Lebenswert Stage 1
- HiPP Dutch Stage 2
- HiPP German Stage 2
- HiPP German Stage 2 - No Starch
- HiPP UK Stage 2
- HiPP Dutch HA Hydrolyzed Stage 2
- HiPP HA German Hydrolyzed Stage 2
- Holle Bio Stage 2
- Holle A2 Stage 2
- Lebenswert Stage 2
- HiPP Dutch Stage 3
- HiPP German Stage 3
- HiPP UK Stage 3
- Holle Bio Stage 3
- Holle A2 Stage 3
- Lebenswert Stage 3
- HiPP Dutch Stage 4 Junior Combiotic Formula
- HiPP Kindermilch 1+
- HiPP Kindermilch 2+
- HiPP AR
- HiPP Comfort
- HiPP UK Comfort
Skim Goat-Milk Formulas:
- HiPP Dutch Goat Stage 1
- Kabrita Stage 1
- HiPP Dutch Goat Stage 2
- Kabrita Stage 2
- HiPP Dutch Goat Stage 3
- Kabrita Stage 3
Skim Milk Baby Formulas: Reduced Bone Mass and Bone Density?
A skimming machine removes the cream layer which is mostly composed of natural fat from whole milk. This is normally done through centrifugal force or heating – an extra step in milk production. But note that fat in the form of an organic vegetable oil blend is added to complete the fat requirement in baby formula.
Skim milk baby formula normally contains palm oil to provide palmitic acid. Palm oil is associated with the prevention of fats and calcium absorption which later on leads to reduced bone mass and density. Palmitic acid binds with calcium which can also lead to harder stools and constipation.
Milk Source in Baby Formula
A glass of milk or a cup of milk – up to 2 a day will benefit toddlers up to 2 years of age. Once they are more than 2 years old, they can start drinking 2.5 cups or glasses daily.
Babies, especially newborns, are unable to digest full cream milk so babies under 1 year old are advised to have either whole milk or skim milk. Once a baby’s growth is steady, parents can start giving their children fat free milk.
We have seen questions like is almond milk good for you – and yes it is since it is a good source of Vitamin E. But note that while it can be given to toddlers, it is not meant to fully replace to breast or baby formula.
Which Formula Should I Give My Baby?
Both whole milk baby formula and skim milk baby formula are great options. It depends on your baby’s needs and digestive requirements- but there is no guarantee that any formula will be the right match from the get-go.
We recommend consulting with your pediatrician for guidance specific to your baby’s needs.
Most Popular Whole Milk Baby Formulas
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51 comments
Researched & Written
By: Isa
Happy mom of 1. Built her career in the medical equipment industry, and later on converted her passion to serving babies. Organic Life Start customer service since 2022.
Recent Post
Kara Boyer -
When choosing a formula for my baby, I found myself leaning toward a whole milk option rather than one made with skim milk. One of the main reasons I chose Kendamil is because it uses whole milk as its primary fat source. I appreciate that whole milk naturally contains milk fat, which reduces the need for certain added vegetable oils. For me, that feels closer to the natural fat profile found in breast milk. I also like that whole milk formulas often have a creamier taste, which my baby seemed to accept more easily. Seeing my baby feed comfortably and finish bottles without fuss gave me reassurance that I made the right choice. While skim milk formulations are also nutritionally complete and carefully designed, I personally prefer the simplicity of whole milk as a base. It gives me peace of mind knowing that more of the fat comes directly from dairy itself. I also noticed that my baby seemed satisfied for longer periods between feeds. Ultimately, choosing a whole milk formula like Kendamil was about comfort, ingredient preference, and how well it supported my baby’s growth and happiness.
Edith -
I’ve spent so many nights wondering if I’m making the right choice for my baby’s formula. I hear so many different opinions on whole milk baby formula versus skim milk baby formula, and it can honestly feel overwhelming. I’ve read that whole milk formulas helped some babies feel more satisfied and sleep a little longer, while skim milk worked fine for others and didn’t cause extra fussiness. With my own little one, it took a bit of trial and error to see how she reacted to different fullness levels, and I can see pros to both sides. I’ve noticed that even small changes in formula can make a big difference in her digestion and mood. I was able to differentiate what my baby likes more, and with that, I am more confident in the formula I chose.
Malia Jensen -
We decided to choose a baby formula made with whole milk because it better aligns with the natural nutrition our baby needs for healthy growth. Although both whole milk and skim milk–based formulas are good choices, we felt whole milk offered a more complete energy source. The natural fats found in whole milk are important for early brain and overall development. We noticed our baby seemed more satisfied and content after feeds with a whole milk formula. This resulted in longer stretches of comfort between feedings. Whole milk also provides naturally occurring fatty acids that support development. For our baby, it appeared gentler on the tummy and easier to tolerate. We liked that the nutrients felt closer to their natural state compared to skim milk formulas. We understand that skim milk formulas work well for many families. In the end, we chose whole milk because it best suited our baby’s needs and our approach as parents.